Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method and an apparatus. In the method, a first device receives first information on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes are in one-to-one correspondence with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, the M RIs include a first RI, and the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI; and the first device sends or receives M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, wherein the M transmission units are in one-to-one correspondence with the M HARQ processes, a first transmission unit among the M transmission units corresponds to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit is determined on the basis of the first RI. Regardless of whether RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes among M HARQ processes are the same or different, data transmission can be implemented by means of the solution in embodiments of the present application, which also makes data transmission more flexible.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411988748.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on December 30, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, on a single carrier, only one hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process is supported within a transmission time interval (TTI) or a slot, resulting in relatively limited data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the flexibility of data transmission.

[0006] Firstly, a first communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device, such as a first equipment, a functional module included in the first equipment, or a larger device including the first equipment. The first device is, for example, a terminal-side device. The terminal-side device is also referred to as a terminal device or a terminal. The terminal device is, for example, a terminal equipment, or a component of a terminal equipment, such as a communication module, circuits or chips responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores, chip systems, or processors, etc.) or other functional modules that can realize the functions of the terminal equipment. The chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in the terminal equipment, and can also be a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: receiving first information on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes corresponding one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, and M being an integer greater than or equal to 2; transmitting or receiving M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined based on the first RI.

[0007] In this embodiment, the first carrier can support concurrent transmission of M HARQ processes, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Alternatively, this embodiment can be understood as supporting multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier within the same time unit, facilitating concurrent transmission of multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, making data transmission more flexible, and reducing data transmission latency. Furthermore, this embodiment can indicate the RI (Registered Information Source) corresponding to each of the M HARQ processes using first information. Regardless of whether the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes are the same or different, data transmission can be achieved through the scheme of this embodiment, further enhancing data transmission flexibility.

[0008] In one optional implementation, the M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, the M RIs include a second RI, the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI, the M transmission units include a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit corresponds to the second HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the second transmission unit is determined according to the second RI. Among the N transmission units, the number of transmission layers occupied by each transmission unit can be determined according to the HARQ process corresponding to that transmission unit, specifically according to the RI corresponding to that HARQ process, which can be indicated by the first information.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, comprising: the first information including a first field, the first field including M pieces of information, each of the M pieces of information indicating the RI corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes. For example, the first information can indicate the M pieces of information through one field, or the first information can indicate the M pieces of information through M fields, which is more flexible. Each of the M pieces of information can indicate an RI, so the terminal device can directly determine the RI based on the first information, which can simplify the implementation of the terminal device.

[0010] In one optional implementation, each of the M pieces of information occupies log₂K bits, where K is a pre-configured or pre-defined maximum RI. This maximum RI is not the largest of the M RIs, but rather a protocol-predefined RI, a RI pre-configured in the terminal device, or the maximum RI supported by the terminal device, etc.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, comprising: the first information including a first field, the first field including M pieces of information, each of the M pieces of information indicating the difference between the RI corresponding to each of the M HARQ processes and a reference RI, the reference RI being used to determine the RI offset of each of the M HARQ processes. For example, the first information can indicate the M pieces of information through one field, or the first information can also indicate the M pieces of information through M fields, which is more flexible. Each piece of information in the M pieces of information can indicate an RI offset, so that the terminal device can determine the corresponding RI based on the RI offset and the reference RI. When there are many concurrent HARQ processes, this indication method is beneficial to save the overhead of the first information.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the first information further indicates the reference RI. The reference RI may be indicated by the first information, or it may be pre-negotiated between the terminal device and the network device, or configured by the network device through other information, or predetermined by the terminal device and communicated to the network device, etc., without any specific limitations.

[0013] In one optional implementation, each of the M pieces of information occupies log₂P bits, where P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI, or P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset, or P is determined based on a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset range. If a maximum offset (referring to the maximum offset of RI) or a maximum offset range (referring to the maximum offset range of RI) is predefined or preconfigured, the number of bits occupied by each piece of information can be determined based on the maximum offset or the maximum offset range. If P represents the maximum offset, or represents a value determined based on the maximum offset range, then P is generally likely less than or equal to the maximum RI, thus reducing the number of bits occupied by the M pieces of information and saving the overhead of the first piece of information. If the maximum offset range or the maximum offset is not configured, P can also be determined based on the maximum RI, enabling the implementation of the technical solution of this application embodiment.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the first field is a DMRS port digital field, an RI field, or a layer digital field.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the transmission unit is a TB; or, the transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, the sub-block being a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, the transmission unit is one or more codewords included in the TB.

[0016] Secondly, a second communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device, such as a second equipment, a functional module included in the second equipment, or a larger device including the second equipment. The second device is, for example, a network-side device. This network-side device is also referred to as a network device. The network device is, for example, a network device, or a component of a network device, such as a communication module, processor, circuit, or chip system (or chip) or other functional module applicable to the network device. This chip system or functional module can realize the functions of the network device, and may be, for example, disposed within the network device, or may be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the network device. The network device can be a non-ORAN architecture or an ORAN architecture; or, the network device can be a CU, DU, or RU under an ORAN architecture. The network device is, for example, located on the ground, or the network device is, for example, a non-ground device such as a satellite or an airborne vehicle, or located on a non-ground device such as a satellite or an airborne vehicle. The network device includes, for example, access network equipment and / or core network equipment. The method includes: transmitting first information on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes corresponding one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, and M being an integer greater than or equal to 2; receiving or transmitting M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined based on the first RI.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, the M RIs include a second RI, the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI, the M transmission units include a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit corresponds to the second HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the second transmission unit is determined according to the second RI.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, including: the first information includes a first field, the first field includes M pieces of information, and each of the M pieces of information indicates the RI corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes.

[0019] In one optional implementation, each of the M pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is the pre-configured or pre-defined maximum RI.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, including: the first information includes a first field, the first field includes M pieces of information, each of the M pieces of information indicates the difference between the RI corresponding to each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes and a reference RI, the reference RI being used to determine the RI offset of each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, the first information further indicates the reference RI.

[0022] In one optional implementation, each of the M pieces of information occupies log2P bits, where P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI, or P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset, or P is determined based on a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset range.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, the first field is a DMRS port digital field, an RI field, or a layer digital field.

[0024] In one optional implementation, the transmission unit is a TB; or, the transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, the sub-block being a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, the transmission unit is one or more codewords included in the TB.

[0025] For the technical effects of the second aspect or its various alternative implementations, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect or its corresponding implementations.

[0026] Thirdly, a third communication method is provided, which can be applied to a third device, such as a third equipment, a functional module included in a third equipment, or a larger device including a third equipment. The third device is, for example, a terminal-side device. For an introduction to the terminal-side device, please refer to the first aspect. Optionally, the third device and the first device can be the same device or different devices. The method includes: receiving first information on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M; transmitting or receiving M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined according to the first RI.

[0027] This application embodiment can support multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, which helps to enable multiple HARQ processes or multiple transmission units to run concurrently on a single carrier, making data transmission more flexible and helping to reduce data transmission latency. This application embodiment can indicate Q RIs through the first information. Regardless of whether the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes in the M HARQ processes are the same or different, the solution of this application embodiment can achieve data transmission, which also makes data transmission more flexible. Furthermore, Q can be less than or equal to M, therefore this application embodiment helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0028] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, comprising: the first information including a second field, the second field including Q pieces of information, each of the Q pieces of information indicating an RI corresponding to one or more HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes, and the RIs corresponding to the one or more HARQ processes being the same. For example, the first information can indicate Q pieces of information through one field, or the first information can also indicate Q pieces of information through Q fields, which is more flexible. Each piece of information in the Q pieces of information can indicate one RI, so the terminal device can determine the RI based on the first information, which can simplify the implementation of the terminal device. Moreover, one RI can correspond to one or more HARQ processes, which helps to save the overhead of the first information.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, each of the Q pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI.

[0030] In one alternative implementation, the second field is a DMRS port digital field, an RI field, or a layer digital field.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the transmission unit is a TB; or, the transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, the sub-block being a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, the transmission unit is one or more codewords included in the TB.

[0032] For the technical effects of the optional implementation methods of the third aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0033] Fourthly, a fourth communication method is provided, which can be applied to a fourth device, such as a fourth equipment, a functional module included in the fourth equipment, or a larger device including the fourth equipment. The fourth device is, for example, a network-side device. For an introduction to network-side devices, please refer to the second aspect. Optionally, the fourth device and the second device can be the same device or different devices. The method includes: transmitting first information on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M; receiving or transmitting M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined according to the first RI.

[0034] In one optional implementation, the first information indicates Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, including: the first information includes a second field, the second field includes Q pieces of information, each of the Q pieces of information indicating an RI corresponding to one or more HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes, and the RIs corresponding to the one or more HARQ processes are the same.

[0035] In one alternative implementation, each of the Q pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI.

[0036] In one alternative implementation, the second field is a DMRS port digital field, an RI field, or a layer digital field.

[0037] In one optional implementation, the transmission unit is a TB; or, the transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, the sub-block being a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, the transmission unit is one or more codewords included in the TB.

[0038] For information on the technical effects of the fourth aspect or its various alternative implementations, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the third aspect or its corresponding implementations.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first device described in the first aspect or the third device described in the third aspect. The communication device possesses the functions of the first or third device. For example, the communication device may implement the functions described in the first or third aspect, such as including modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or third aspect. These modules, units, or means may be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The communication device may be, for example, a terminal device or a component of a terminal device, such as a communication module, circuit or chip (or chip system) responsible for communication functions, or other functional modules applicable to a terminal device. The chip system or functional module can realize the functions of the terminal device, and is, for example, disposed within the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a network device or a component of a network device, such as a communication module, processor, chip system (or chip or circuit), or other functional modules applicable to a network device. The chip system or functional module can realize the functions of the network device, and is, for example, disposed within the network device. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting unit (sometimes also called a transmitting module), and when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0040] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the receiving unit) is configured to receive first information on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes correspond one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, the M RIs include a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the transceiver unit is configured to transmit or receive M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units include a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponds to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit is determined according to the first RI.

[0041] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the receiving unit) is configured to receive first information on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M; the transceiver unit is configured to transmit or receive M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined according to the first RI.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the first device described in the first aspect above, or to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the third device described in the third aspect above.

[0043] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the second device described in the second aspect above, or the fourth device described in the fourth aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the second or fourth device described above. For example, the communication device is capable of implementing the functions described in the second or fourth aspect above. For instance, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to performing the operations involved in the second or fourth aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The communication device may be, for example, a network device, or a component of a network device, such as a communication module, processor, chip system (or chip or circuit), or other functional module applicable to a network device. This chip system or functional module can realize the functions of the network device, and is, for example, disposed within the network device. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device, such as a communication module, circuit or chip (or chip system), or other functional module applicable to a terminal device. This chip system or functional module can realize the functions of the terminal device, and is, for example, disposed within the terminal device. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). For details on the implementation of the transceiver unit, please refer to the description in section five.

[0044] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the transmitting unit) is configured to transmit first information on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes correspond one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, the M RIs include a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the transceiver unit is configured to receive or transmit M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units include a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponds to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit is determined according to the first RI.

[0045] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit (or the transmitting unit) is configured to transmit first information on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M; the transceiver unit is configured to receive or transmit M transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit, the M transmission units corresponding one-to-one with the M HARQ processes, the M transmission units including a first transmission unit, the first transmission unit corresponding to the first HARQ process, and the number of transmission layers occupied by the first transmission unit being determined according to the first RI.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the second device described in the second aspect above, or to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the fourth device described in the fourth aspect above.

[0047] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first or third aspect above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that, when executed, the apparatus implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or third aspect above.

[0048] In one possible design, the device may further include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0049] In one possible design, the device may also include the memory.

[0050] The aforementioned device may be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0051] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the second or fourth aspect described above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that, when executed, the apparatus implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0052] In one possible design, the device may further include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0053] In one possible design, the device may also include the memory.

[0054] The aforementioned device may be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0055] A ninth aspect provides a communication system including a network-side device. The network-side device is used to perform the method executed by the second device as described in the second aspect, or to perform the method executed by the fourth device as described in the fourth aspect. For example, the network-side device can be implemented using the device described in the sixth or eighth aspect.

[0056] Optionally, the communication system further includes a terminal-side device. The network-side device is used to execute the method performed by the second device as described in the second aspect, and the terminal-side device is used to execute the method performed by the first device as described in the first aspect; or, the network-side device is used to execute the method performed by the fourth device as described in the fourth aspect, and the terminal-side device is used to execute the method performed by the third device as described in the third aspect. For example, the terminal-side device can be implemented using the device described in the fifth or seventh aspect.

[0057] A tenth aspect provides a communication system, including a first device and a second device. The first device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect. For example, the first device can be implemented using the device described in the fifth or seventh aspect, and the second device can be implemented using the device described in the sixth or eighth aspect.

[0058] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising a third device and a fourth device. The third device is used to perform the method described in the third aspect above, and the fourth device is used to perform the method described in the fourth aspect above. For example, the third device can be implemented using the device described in the fifth or seventh aspect, and the fourth device can be implemented using the device described in the sixth or eighth aspect.

[0059] Optionally, the communication system described in the tenth aspect and the communication system described in the eleventh aspect may be the same communication system. For example, the first device and the third device are the same device, and / or the second device and the fourth device are the same device.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the first, second, third, or fourth means of the foregoing aspects to be implemented.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, causes the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0062] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods of the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of two structures of the access network device in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of two application scenarios of the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6 shows an example of different airspace resources corresponding to different HARQ processes in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figures 7 and 8 are examples of several implementation methods of the first information in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 is an example of one implementation of the first information in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0074] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. Furthermore, the numbering of steps in the various embodiments described in this application is only to distinguish different steps and is not used to limit the order in which the steps are performed.

[0075] The following explanations of some terms or concepts used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0076] In this embodiment, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (e.g., a mobile phone), a wearable device, an in-vehicle device, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, a modem, or a chip system, etc.) built into the aforementioned devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to the following: sensing scenarios, cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, and indoor commercial scenarios (such as mobile phone screen mirroring, file sharing, and mobile phone to VR glasses video transmission). When the terminal equipment is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, or automobile, self-driving car, or autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal equipment can also be a device used in D2D communication, such as an electricity meter or water meter.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0078] The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices, also known as on-board units (OBUs). The terminal device of this application can also be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0079] The terminal equipment may sometimes be referred to as UE, terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user equipment, etc.

[0080] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal device function can be a terminal device, which can be a terminal device or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a terminal device being used to implement the terminal device function is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0081] The network devices in this application embodiment include, for example, access network devices (or access network elements) and / or core network devices (or core network elements). The access network devices are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, used to communicate with the terminal devices. The access network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations (base transceiver stations, BTS, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB) / eNB, or the next generation Node B (gNodeB) / gNB), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations evolved from the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), access nodes in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. The base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology or networks using different access technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The access network equipment can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network equipment can also be a server, etc. For example, the network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The following description uses a base station as an example to illustrate the access network equipment. A base station can communicate with a terminal device, or it can communicate with a terminal device through a relay station. A terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies. The core network equipment is used to implement functions such as mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing. The names of the equipment implementing core network functions may differ in systems using different access technologies; this application does not limit this.Taking the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology system as an example, the core network equipment includes, for example, access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), or user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0082] In a CU-DU architecture, or in an open RAN (ORAN) system, access network equipment can include one or more logical network elements such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). One possible structure for access network equipment is shown in Figure 1. In this structure, core network equipment and access network equipment can communicate via a backhaul link; within the access network equipment, CUs and DUs can communicate via a midhaul link, and DUs and RUs can communicate via a fronthaul link.

[0083] Alternatively, another architecture for the access network device can be seen in Figure 2, which illustrates an access network device implemented using a chip, such as a RAN chip. The RAN chip may include a CU, DU, and RU. The CU can perform L2 and L3 functions, etc.; the DU can perform L1 functions and some L2 functions, etc.; and the RU can perform L1 computation and radio frequency (RF) digital functions, etc. The CU communicates with the core network device through a backhaul interface, which carries the traffic between the CU and the core network device. The CU may include a central processing unit (CPU) based on x86 or ARM architecture, and may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), or other accelerators. The CPU can communicate with the FPGA, GPU, or other accelerators via a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface.

[0084] The CU and DU communicate via a midhaul interface, which carries the traffic between the CU and DU. The DU may include an x86 or ARM architecture CPU, as well as FPGAs, GPUs, or other accelerators, which can communicate with the FPGA, GPU, or other accelerators via a PCIe interface.

[0085] The DU and RU communicate via a fronthaul interface, which carries the traffic between the DU and RU. If the access network equipment uses an integrated DU, the integrated DU can include the functions of both the DU and RU, and the RAN may no longer need to include a separate RU. The RU may include a RAN fronthaul processing unit, a digital processing unit, and an RF processing unit. The RAN fronthaul processing unit is implemented, for example, using an FPGA or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The digital processing unit is implemented, for example, using an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0086] The RU can be connected to an antenna to communicate with the UE via the antenna.

[0087] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-CP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples in its embodiments. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0088] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, or Physical (PHY) layer). As another example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as one or more of the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers).

[0089] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0090] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0091] In this application embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be referred to as a network apparatus. This network apparatus can be a network element, a network device, or an apparatus capable of supporting the network device or network element in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device is described as a network apparatus (for example, an apparatus for implementing the functions of an access network apparatus is an access network apparatus, and an apparatus for implementing the functions of a core network apparatus is a core network apparatus).

[0092] In short, in this embodiment, the first carrier can support M HARQ processes, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Alternatively, this embodiment can be understood as supporting multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, facilitating concurrent operation of multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, making data transmission more flexible, and reducing data transmission latency. Furthermore, this embodiment can indicate the RI (Information Resource Identifier) ​​corresponding to each of the M HARQ processes using first information. Regardless of whether the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes are the same or different, data transmission can be achieved through the scheme of this embodiment, further enhancing data transmission flexibility.

[0093] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) communication systems, as well as 5G communication systems, such as 5G new radio (NR) communication systems, or various communication systems evolving after 5G, such as future communication systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, long-range radio (LoRa) systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), such as satellite communication systems, for example, transparent satellite architectures, backhaul satellite architectures, or regenerative satellite architectures, etc., without limitation.

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication network applicable to an embodiment of this application. The communication network includes network devices and UEs. The UE can send first information to the network device, and the network device can send or receive transmission units based on the first information. The network device includes, for example, access network devices and / or core network devices.

[0095] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication network applicable to embodiments of this application. This communication network includes UE1 and UE2. UE2 can send first information to UE1, and UE1 can send or receive transmission units based on the first information.

[0096] The network architecture and communication process described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0097] The method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In various embodiments of this application, the transmission unit may be a transport block (TB), for example, a transmission unit may be a TB; or, the transmission unit may be one or more sub-blocks contained in a TB, which may also be called a subTB, or may have other names, such as a code block (CB), code block group (CBG), or code block cluster. For example, a transmission unit may be a CB, a CBG, or a code block cluster; or, the transmission unit may be one or more codewords (CW) contained in a TB; or, the transmission unit may be physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) data, etc. In various embodiments of this application, the time unit may be a radio frame (RF), subframe, TTI, slot, mini-slot, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol group, or OFDM symbol, etc.

[0098] In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps.

[0099] The various embodiments of this application can be applied to the network architecture shown in FIG3 or FIG4. For example, the first device described in the various embodiments of this application can be the UE shown in FIG3; the second device described in the various embodiments of this application can be the network device shown in FIG3. As another example, the first device described in the various embodiments of this application can be UE1 shown in FIG4; the second device described in the various embodiments of this application can be UE2 shown in FIG4.

[0100] This application provides a communication method, please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of the method.

[0101] S501, the second device transmits first information on the first carrier. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information on the first carrier.

[0102] The first piece of information can indicate the rank indicator (RI) for each of the M HARQ processes, or the transport layer number for each of the M HARQ processes. The following explanation uses the RI indicator as an example. The RI for a HARQ process can be equal to the transport layer number for that HARQ process; therefore, the RI indicator can also be understood as indicating the transport layer number. The transport layer can also be called a transport stream, etc., and the name is not restricted.

[0103] For example, the first information indicates M RIs, each of which corresponds one-to-one with one of the M HARQ processes. That is, each of the M HARQ processes can correspond to one RI. One or more of the M RIs may be equal, or all M RIs may be unequal. For instance, the M HARQ processes may include a first HARQ process and a second HARQ process. The first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, and the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI. The M RIs can include both the first and second RIs. The first and second RIs may be equal or unequal.

[0104] The M HARQ processes can be HARQ processes supported by the first carrier. For example, the maximum total number of HARQ processes predefined by the protocol is F, or the maximum total number of HARQ processes supported by the first device is F. F is a positive integer, and M can be a positive integer less than or equal to F. That is, one carrier in this embodiment can support multiple HARQ processes, where each HARQ process can correspond to one or more transmission units. The M HARQ processes can run concurrently, thus enabling concurrent operation of multiple transmission units, making data transmission more flexible and reducing transmission latency. If F is the maximum total number of HARQ processes supported by the first device, optionally, the first device can also send capability information to the second device, which can indicate that the maximum total number of HARQ processes supported by the first device is F.

[0105] Optionally, the maximum total concurrent HARQ processes supported by the first device is G, or the maximum total concurrent HARQ processes predefined by the protocol are G, where G is a positive integer. For example, G can be less than or equal to F, and M can be less than or equal to G. If G is the maximum total concurrent HARQ processes supported by the first device, optionally, the capability information sent by the first device to the second device can also indicate that the maximum total concurrent HARQ processes supported by the first device are G.

[0106] One HARQ process corresponds to one transmission unit, which can be understood as the HARQ process handling that transmission unit. The following is a brief introduction to how a HARQ process handles a transmission unit.

[0107] The process of a transmission unit's sending end (e.g., the first device or the second device) sending the transmission unit to its receiving end (e.g., the second device or the first device) for the first time is called the initial transmission of the transmission unit; the process of the sending end sending the transmission unit to the receiving end again is called the retransmission of the transmission unit. HARQ is a retransmission mechanism that combines forward error correction (FEC) and automatic repeat request (ARQ).

[0108] FEC (Fault-Error Control) is an error control method that involves encoding a signal according to a certain algorithm before it is sent into the transmission channel, adding redundant codes with the characteristics of the signal itself. The receiving end of the signal can then decode the received signal according to the corresponding algorithm to determine and correct the error codes generated during transmission.

[0109] ARQ refers to a mechanism where the receiving end uses cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to determine the correctness of received data and sends the result back to the sending end. If the result indicates an error, the sending end will retransmit the data until the receiving end receives it correctly.

[0110] Under the HARQ mechanism, the signal transmitter first uses the FEC algorithm to encode the channel, adding redundant information with error detection and correction capabilities to the transmitted information. The signal receiver decodes the received signal according to the corresponding reverse algorithm. If an error is detected, it corrects the erroneous information. If the error can be corrected, the data transmission is successful; if it cannot be corrected, the receiver uses the ARQ mechanism to notify the transmitter to retransmit. If the receiver still receives an error after retransmission, it can request retransmission again until the correct information is received.

[0111] The HARQ mechanism can support multiple HARQ processes, which can process in parallel, thereby improving processing efficiency. For example, in the embodiments of this application, one HARQ process can process one or more of N transmission units, and the processing method of any HARQ process for the transmission unit is similar, as described above.

[0112] Among the M HARQ processes, different HARQ processes may correspond to different airspace resources, resulting in different Reference Indicators (RIs) for different HARQ processes. For example, referring to Figure 6, the airspace resources corresponding to HARQ process 0 are different from those corresponding to HARQ process 1; for example, the RIs corresponding to these two HARQ processes may be different. Therefore, this embodiment of the application can indicate the RI corresponding to each of the M HARQ processes through first information. Even if the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes are different, data transmission can still be achieved through the solution of this embodiment, making data transmission more flexible. Moreover, the first information can be a single piece of information; that is, this embodiment of the application can indicate the RIs corresponding to multiple HARQ processes through a single piece of information, which helps to save signaling overhead. Optionally, the airspace resources corresponding to a HARQ process may include, for example, the airspace resources corresponding to the transmission unit processed by the HARQ process.

[0113] The first information may be included in the first signaling, which may be, for example, downlink control information (DCI), media access control (MAC) control element (CE), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or sidelink control information (SCI), etc. Alternatively, the first signaling may be other signaling types; there are no restrictions on this. For example, the first information may be added to the first signaling to indicate the RI corresponding to each of the M HARQ processes. Alternatively, the first information may be the first signaling itself. There are no restrictions on the implementation method of the first information.

[0114] Optionally, the first signaling can also be used to schedule N transmission units, which can be processed by the M HARQ processes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the first signaling can indicate the correspondence between the N transmission units and the M HARQ processes. Optionally, N can be greater than or equal to M. For example, N can be equal to M, in which case the N transmission units and M HARQ processes can correspond one-to-one, that is, one HARQ process can process one transmission unit. Alternatively, N can not be equal to M, for example, N is greater than M, then one HARQ process can process one or more transmission units, and the number of transmission units processed by different HARQ processes can be equal or unequal.

[0115] Optionally, N can be less than or equal to the maximum total concurrent transmission units supported or set by the first device. Alternatively, N can also be less than or equal to the maximum total concurrent transmission units predefined by the protocol.

[0116] The first information indicates M RIs, and there are several optional indication methods, as illustrated in the following examples.

[0117] 1. The first information indicates the first indication method of M RIs.

[0118] The first piece of information may include M pieces of information, each of which indicates the RI corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes. Alternatively, it can be understood that the M pieces of information correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. The M RIs can be indicated through these M pieces of information.

[0119] Optionally, the M pieces of information can be M fields. For example, the first piece of information includes these M fields, where each field is considered a piece of information. Optionally, any one of the M fields can be, for example, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port digital segment, an RI field, or a number of layers field. The different fields in the M fields may be of the same or different types. For example, all M fields may be DMRS port digital segments; or the M fields may include RI fields and also DMRS port digital segments, etc. Refer to Figure 7 for an example of the M pieces of information. Figure 7 uses M RI fields as an example, which are RI0 to RI(M-1) in Figure 7.

[0120] Alternatively, the M pieces of information can be included in a single field. For example, the first piece of information includes a first field, and the first field includes the M pieces of information. For instance, the first field can be divided into M domains, where each domain is considered a piece of information. Optionally, the first field can be, for example, a DMRS port number field, an RI field, or a layer number field.

[0121] Using the RI field or layer number field to indicate the RI corresponding to the HARQ process is a more direct method. Alternatively, using the DMRS port number field to indicate the RI corresponding to the HARQ process is beneficial for compatibility with existing technologies.

[0122] Optionally, each of the M pieces of information may occupy log₂K bits, where K is the maximum RI or the maximum number of transport layers. The maximum RI or the maximum number of transport layers may be predefined by the protocol, pre-configured in the first and second devices, negotiated by the first and second devices, or configured by either the first or second device. The maximum RI should be considered a preset value and should not be interpreted as the maximum value among the M RIs.

[0123] For example, if the maximum RI is 4, then each of the M messages can occupy 2 bits. For example, if M=3, the RIs corresponding to these 3 HARQ processes are 3, 2, and 2 respectively, then the 3 messages corresponding to these 3 HARQ processes are "11", "10", and "10" respectively.

[0124] In the first indication method, M RIs are indicated by M pieces of information. The indication method is relatively clear and it is not easy to confuse the RIs of different HARQ processes.

[0125] 2. The first information indicates the second indication method of M RIs.

[0126] The first piece of information can include M pieces of information, each of which indicates the RI offset corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes. Alternatively, it can be understood that these M pieces of information correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. Using these M pieces of information, the RI offset of each of the M HARQ processes can be indicated, and the RI corresponding to a HARQ process can be determined based on its RI offset. For example, if the RI offset of a HARQ process is the difference between its RI and a reference RI, then the RI corresponding to that HARQ process can be determined based on this RI offset and the reference RI. For instance, if the RI offset of a HARQ process is 1 and the reference RI is 4, then the RI corresponding to that HARQ process could be 5.

[0127] The reference RI can be predefined by the protocol, negotiated in advance by the first and second devices, or indicated by first information. For example, in addition to the M pieces of information, the first information may also include second information, which can indicate the reference RI. Alternatively, the first device may indicate the reference RI not through the first information, but through other information. For example, the first device may send channel state information (CSI) to the second device, which may include the RI, and the RI included in the CSI can serve as the reference RI. Optionally, the step of the first device sending the CSI may occur before S501.

[0128] Optionally, the M pieces of information can be M fields; or the M pieces of information can also be included in a single field, for example, the first information includes a second field, and the second field can include the M pieces of information. The implementation of the M pieces of information can be similar to the implementation of the M pieces of information in the first indication method described above, as can be found in the relevant introduction above. Specifically, if the first information also includes second information, and the M pieces of information are M fields, then the first information can also include a single field, which is the second information; for example, the second information and the M pieces of information can together be M+1 fields within the first information. Alternatively, if the first information also includes second information, and the M pieces of information are included in a second field, then the second information can also be included in the second field; for example, the second information and the M pieces of information can together be M+1 pieces of information within the second field.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 8 for an example of the M pieces of information. Figure 8 takes the M pieces of information as M RI fields, which are RI0 to RI(M-1) in Figure 8 respectively; and Figure 8 also takes the first piece of information as including a second piece of information, which is also a field, as shown in "Reference RI" in Figure 8.

[0130] The number of bits occupied by the second information can be log2K, and the introduction to K can be found in the previous text. The value of the second information is, for example, the value of the reference RI. For example, if K = 8 and the reference RI = 4, then the second information can be "100".

[0131] Optionally, each of the M pieces of information may occupy log₂P bits. As an optional implementation of P, P is K; for an explanation of K, please refer to the preceding text. Alternatively, as another optional implementation of P, P may be the maximum offset of RI, or a value determined based on the maximum offset range of RI. This maximum offset or maximum offset range may be predefined by the protocol, pre-negotiated by the first and second devices, or configured by either the first or second device. The number of bits occupied by the second piece of information may be the same as or different from the number of bits occupied by any one of the M pieces of information.

[0132] For example, the maximum offset range of RI is [-2, +1], thus the maximum offset can be determined to be 4. Each of the M messages can occupy 2 bits. For example, it is specified that message "00" indicates an RI offset of -2, message "01" indicates an RI offset of -1, message "10" indicates an RI offset of 0, and message "11" indicates an RI offset of 1. It is clear that the value of the message used to indicate an RI offset is not necessarily equal to that RI offset. The correspondence between the message and the specific indicated RI offset can be predefined by the protocol, pre-negotiated by the first and second devices, or configured by either the first or second device. For example, if M = 3, the RIs corresponding to these 3 HARQ processes are 3, 2, and 2 respectively. Referring to an RI of, for example, 4, the RI offsets corresponding to these 3 HARQ processes are -1, -2, and -2 respectively, therefore the messages corresponding to these 3 HARQ processes are "01", "00", and "00" respectively. For example, if the first information includes the second information and K=8, then the second information occupies 3 bits. Therefore, the second information and the three pieces of information together occupy 3+2+2+2=9 bits.

[0133] In the case of large-scale concurrent HARQ processes, using RI offset indication can help save the overhead of first information.

[0134] In addition to the methods mentioned above, the first information can also indicate M HARQ RIs in other ways, without any restrictions.

[0135] S502: The first device transmits N transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit; correspondingly, the second device receives N transmission units on the first carrier. Alternatively, S502 includes: the second device transmits N transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit; correspondingly, the first device receives N transmission units on the first carrier. Here, transmitting within the first time unit can be understood as the N transmission units being transmitted concurrently.

[0136] For the receiving end (e.g., the second device or the first device) of the N transmission units, the N transmission units can be received within at least one time unit. The at least one time unit may include a first time unit, for example, the at least one time unit may only include the first time unit, or it may include one or more time units located after the first time unit in addition to including the first time unit; or, the at least one time unit may not include the first time unit, but may include at least one time unit located after the first time unit.

[0137] The N transmission units can be processed by the M HARQ processes. For any one of the N transmission units, the space resources occupied (or corresponding to) that transmission unit can be determined based on the RI corresponding to the HARQ process processing that transmission unit. The RI corresponding to the HARQ process is indicated by the first information. Therefore, it can also be understood that the space resources occupied (or corresponding to) that transmission unit can be determined based on the first information. For example, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, and the N transmission units include a first transmission unit. The first HARQ process is used to process the first transmission unit, and the RI corresponding to the first HARQ process is, for example, the first RI, which can be one of the M RIs. Then, the space resources occupied (or corresponding to) the first transmission unit can be determined based on the first RI. As another example, the M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, and the N transmission units include a second transmission unit. The second HARQ process is used to process the second transmission unit, and the RI corresponding to the second HARQ process is, for example, the second RI, which can be one of the M RIs. The spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) the second transmission unit can be determined based on the second RI. Optionally, the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) any one of the N transmission units may include the number of transmission layers corresponding to that transmission unit. For example, the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) the first transmission unit may include the number of transmission layers corresponding to the first transmission unit, and the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) the second transmission unit may include the number of transmission layers corresponding to the second transmission unit.

[0138] In this system, one of the M HARQ processes can handle one or more of the N transmission units. Different HARQ processes handle different transmission units, and the number of transmission units handled by different HARQ processes may be the same or different. Since both the first device and the second device can clearly identify the RI corresponding to the M HARQ processes, the receiving end of the N transmission units (e.g., the first device or the second device) can correctly receive the N transmission units.

[0139] This application embodiment can support multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, which helps to enable multiple HARQ processes or multiple transmission units to run concurrently on a single carrier, making data transmission more flexible and helping to reduce data transmission latency. Furthermore, this application embodiment can indicate M RIs through the first information. Regardless of whether the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes in the M HARQ processes are the same or different, the solution of this application embodiment can achieve data transmission, which also makes data transmission more flexible.

[0140] This application provides another communication method, please refer to Figure 9, which is a flowchart of the method.

[0141] S901, the second device transmits first information on the first carrier. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information on the first carrier.

[0142] The first piece of information can indicate the RI (Index Point) for each of the M HARQ processes, or it can indicate the transport layer number for each of the M HARQ processes. The following explanation uses the RI indication as an example. The RI for a HARQ process can be equal to the transport layer number for that HARQ process; therefore, indicating the RI can also be understood as indicating the transport layer number. The transport layer can also be called a transport stream, etc., and there are no restrictions on the name.

[0143] For example, the first information indicates Q RIs, which correspond to the M HARQ processes. Different RIs among the Q RIs may be equal or unequal. Q can be a positive integer less than or equal to M. For example, one RI among the Q RIs can correspond to one or more HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes; that is, the RIs of at least one HARQ process are the same, all being the same RI. For example, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process and a second HARQ process, where the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI, and the first RI and the second RI belong to the Q RIs. For example, the first RI and the second RI can be two RIs among the Q RIs, or they can be the same RI among the Q RIs.

[0144] The M HARQ processes can be HARQ processes supported by the first carrier, and these M HARQ processes can run concurrently. For example, the maximum total number of HARQ processes predefined by the protocol is F, or the maximum total number of HARQ processes supported by the first device is F. F is a positive integer, and M can be a positive integer less than or equal to F. Alternatively, the maximum total number of concurrent HARQ processes supported by the first device is G, or the maximum total number of concurrent HARQ processes predefined by the protocol is G, where G is a positive integer. For example, G can be less than or equal to F, and M can be less than or equal to G. For related descriptions and the relationship between F, M, and G, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0145] As an optional implementation, the M HARQ processes can be grouped, with all HARQ processes belonging to the same HARQ process group corresponding to the same RI among the Q RIs. For example, the M HARQ processes can belong to Q HARQ process groups, where each HARQ process group can include one or more HARQ processes from the M HARQ processes. Any HARQ process among the M HARQ processes is only included in one of the HARQ process groups, and will not be included in multiple HARQ process groups simultaneously; or it can be understood that different HARQ process groups among the Q HARQ process groups may have no overlap. Different HARQ process groups among the Q HARQ process groups may include the same or different numbers of HARQ processes. This grouping is, for example, predefined by the protocol, or divided by a first device or a second device. In the embodiments of this application, "group" can also be understood or replaced as "set," for example, "HARQ process group" can also be called "HARQ process set," etc., without limitation.

[0146] There are several possible grouping methods. Optionally, they can be grouped sequentially according to HARQ process numbers. For example, HARQ processes 0 through HARQ 4 can be grouped into one group, HARQ processes 5 through HARQ 8 into another group, and so on. For instance, the M HARQ processes can be divided into Q groups, where each of the first Q-1 groups may include... HARQ processes, the last group contains A HARQ process. floor indicates rounding down.

[0147] Alternatively, they can be randomly grouped. For example, HARQ process 0, HARQ process 2, and HARQ process 3 can be grouped into one group, HARQ process 1 and HARQ process 5 into another group, and so on.

[0148] Alternatively, groups can be formed based on a first value and the HARQ process ID. For example, the HARQ process ID of a HARQ process can be moduloed by the first value; if the result is i, then the HARQ process belongs to the i-th group. The first value may be predefined by the protocol, negotiated in advance by the first and second devices, or configured by either the first or second device.

[0149] Alternatively, the groups can be grouped in other ways, but this application does not limit the grouping method.

[0150] Each of the Q HARQ process groups can correspond to a RI (Registered RI). Different HARQ process groups may have the same or different RIs. For a given HARQ process group, all HARQ processes within that group share the same RI. Therefore, indicating the RI of a single HARQ process group in the first information is equivalent to indicating the RI of any individual HARQ process within that group. For example, if the first information includes Q pieces of information, each of these Q pieces can indicate the RI of one of the Q HARQ process groups; or, as understood, the Q pieces of information correspond one-to-one with the Q HARQ process groups. By indicating the RI of each of the Q HARQ process groups, it is possible to indicate the RI of each of the M HARQ processes.

[0151] Optionally, the Q pieces of information can be Q fields; or, the Q pieces of information can also be included in a single field, for example, the first information includes a second field, and the second field can include the Q pieces of information. The implementation of the Q pieces of information can be similar to the implementation of the M pieces of information in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 can be referred to. Figure 10 shows an example of the Q pieces of information. Figure 9 uses the example of the Q pieces of information being Q RI fields, which are RI0 to RI1 in Figure 10, respectively.

[0152] Optionally, each of the Q pieces of information can occupy log2K bits. For an explanation of K, refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 5. For example, if K is 4, then each of the Q pieces of information can occupy 2 bits. If Q is 2, the RI corresponding to HARQ process group 0 is 3, and the RI corresponding to HARQ process group 1 is 2. Then the information corresponding to these two HARQ process groups are "11" and "10" respectively. For example, if HARQ process group 0 includes HARQ process 0, and HARQ process group 1 includes HARQ process 1 and HARQ process 2, then the RI corresponding to HARQ process 0 is 3, and the RIs corresponding to HARQ process 1 and HARQ process 2 are both 2.

[0153] In this embodiment, it is only necessary to indicate the RI corresponding to the HARQ process group, rather than the RI corresponding to each HARQ process within the HARQ process group, thereby saving the overhead of the first information.

[0154] In this embodiment, the first information can be a single piece of information. That is, in this embodiment, a single piece of information can indicate the RI corresponding to multiple HARQ processes, which helps to save signaling overhead. The first information can be included in the first signaling, or the first information can be the first signaling. For a related description, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0155] Optionally, the first signaling can also be used to schedule N transmission units, which can be processed by the M HARQ processes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the first signaling can indicate the correspondence between the N transmission units and the M HARQ processes. Optionally, N can be greater than or equal to M. For example, N can be equal to M, in which case the N transmission units and M HARQ processes can correspond one-to-one, that is, one HARQ process can process one transmission unit. Alternatively, N can not be equal to M, for example, N is greater than M, then one HARQ process can process one or more transmission units, and the number of transmission units processed by different HARQ processes can be equal or unequal.

[0156] Optionally, N can be less than or equal to the maximum total concurrent transmission units supported or set by the first device. Alternatively, N can also be less than or equal to the maximum total concurrent transmission units predefined by the protocol.

[0157] S902: The first device transmits N transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit; correspondingly, the second device receives N transmission units on the first carrier. Alternatively, S902 includes: the second device transmits N transmission units on the first carrier within a first time unit; correspondingly, the first device receives N transmission units on the first carrier. Here, transmitting within the first time unit can be understood as the N transmission units being transmitted concurrently.

[0158] For the receiving end (e.g., the second device or the first device) of the N transmission units, the N transmission units can be received within at least one time unit. The at least one time unit may include a first time unit, for example, the at least one time unit may only include the first time unit, or it may include one or more time units located after the first time unit in addition to including the first time unit; or, the at least one time unit may not include the first time unit, but may include at least one time unit located after the first time unit.

[0159] The N transmission units can be processed by the M HARQ processes. For the processing method, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 5. For any one of the N transmission units, the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) that transmission unit can be determined based on the RI corresponding to the HARQ process processing that transmission unit. The RI corresponding to the HARQ process is indicated by the first information. Therefore, it can also be understood that the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) that transmission unit can be determined based on the first information. For example, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, and the N transmission units include a first transmission unit. The first HARQ process is used to process the first transmission unit. The first HARQ process belongs to a first HARQ process group, and the RI corresponding to the first HARQ process group is, for example, the first RI. The first RI can be one of the Q RIs. Then, the spatial resources occupied (or corresponding to) the first transmission unit can be determined based on the first RI. For example, the M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, and the N transmission units include a second transmission unit. The second HARQ process is used to process the second transmission unit, and the second HARQ process belongs to a second HARQ process group. The RI corresponding to the second HARQ process group is, for example, the second RI, which can be one of the Q RIs. Then, the airspace resources occupied (or corresponding to) the second transmission unit can be determined based on the second RI. Optionally, the airspace resources occupied (or corresponding to) any one of the N transmission units can include the number of transmission layers corresponding to that transmission unit. For example, the airspace resources occupied (or corresponding to) the first transmission unit can include the number of transmission layers corresponding to the first transmission unit, and the airspace resources occupied (or corresponding to) the second transmission unit can include the number of transmission layers corresponding to the second transmission unit.

[0160] In this system, one of the M HARQ processes can handle one or more of the N transmission units. Different HARQ processes handle different transmission units, and the number of transmission units handled by different HARQ processes may be the same or different. Since both the first device and the second device can clearly identify the RI corresponding to the M HARQ processes, the receiving end of the N transmission units (e.g., the first device or the second device) can correctly receive the N transmission units.

[0161] Some relevant details of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 can be found in the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0162] This application embodiment can support multiple HARQ processes on a single carrier, which helps to enable multiple HARQ processes or multiple transmission units to run concurrently on a single carrier, making data transmission more flexible and helping to reduce data transmission latency. This application embodiment can indicate Q RIs through the first information. Regardless of whether the RIs corresponding to different HARQ processes in the M HARQ processes are the same or different, the solution of this application embodiment can achieve data transmission, which also makes data transmission more flexible. Furthermore, Q can be less than or equal to M, therefore this application embodiment helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0163] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 can be a first device or its circuit system as shown in any of the embodiments depicted in Figures 5 or 9, used to implement the method corresponding to the first device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 can be a second device or its circuit system as shown in any of the embodiments depicted in Figures 5 or 9, used to implement the method corresponding to the second device in the above method embodiments. For example, one type of circuit system is a chip system.

[0164] The communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1101. The processor 1101 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 1101 includes instructions. Optionally, the processor 1101 can store data. Optionally, different processors can be independent devices, located in different physical locations, or located on different integrated circuits. Optionally, different processors can be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated onto one or more integrated circuits.

[0165] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes one or more memories 1103 for storing instructions. Optionally, the memories 1103 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together.

[0166] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes a communication line 1102 and at least one communication interface 1104. Since the memory 1103, communication line 1102, and communication interface 1104 are all optional, they are all represented by dashed lines in Figure 11.

[0167] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver and / or an antenna. The transceiver can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1100 via the antenna. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. For example, the transmitter can be used to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal from a baseband signal, and the receiver can be used to convert the RF signal back into a baseband signal.

[0168] Processor 1101 may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs according to the present application.

[0169] Communication line 1102 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0170] Communication interface 1104 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wired access network, etc.

[0171] The memory 1103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1103 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 1101 via communication line 1102. Alternatively, the memory 1103 may be integrated with the processor 1101.

[0172] The memory 1103 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the present application scheme, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1101. The processor 1101 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1103 to implement the steps performed by the first or second device in the embodiment shown in either FIG5 or FIG9.

[0173] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0174] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1101 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG11.

[0175] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1100 may include multiple processors, such as processor 1101 and processor 1105 in FIG. 11. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0176] When the device shown in FIG11 is a chip, such as the chip of the first device or the chip of the second device, the chip includes a processor 1101 (and may also include a processor 1105), a communication line 1102, and a communication interface 1104. Optionally, it may include a memory 1103. Specifically, the communication interface 1104 may be an input interface, pins, or circuits, etc. The memory 1103 may be a register, cache, etc. The processor 1101 and the processor 1105 may be a general-purpose CPU, a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program for controlling the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0177] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or software functional modules. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, when dividing the device into functional modules according to each function, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a device. This device 1200 can be the first or second device involved in the above method embodiments, or a chip in the first or second device. The device 1200 includes a processing unit 1202 and a transceiver unit 1201.

[0178] It should be understood that the device 1200 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first device or the second device in the communication method of the embodiments of this application. The relevant features can be referred to the embodiments shown in either Figure 5 or Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] Optionally, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver unit 1201 and processing unit 1202 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the processor 1101 in Figure 11 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 1103. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing unit 1202 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the processor 1101 in Figure 11 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 1103, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver unit 1201 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the communication interface 1104 in Figure 11.

[0180] Optionally, when the device 1200 is a chip or circuit, the function / implementation process of the transceiver unit 1201 can also be implemented through pins or circuits. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 may include a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit is used to implement the transmitting function and the receiving unit is used to implement the receiving function; or, the transceiver unit 1201 may be an integral module capable of implementing the transmitting and / or receiving functions. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 may be implemented using a transceiver.

[0181] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0182] This application also provides a computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method executed by the first device or the second device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0183] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method executed by the first device or the second device involved in any of the above method embodiments.

[0184] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0185] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0186] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC, which can be disposed in the terminal device. Optionally, the processor and storage medium can also be disposed in different components of the terminal device.

[0187] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0188] The contents of the various embodiments of this application can be referenced to each other. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0189] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first device and / or the second device may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is received on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M rank indicators (RIs) corresponding to M hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, the M HARQ processes correspond one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, the M RIs include a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Within a first time unit, M transmission units are transmitted or received on a first carrier. The M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. The M transmission units include a first transmission unit, which corresponds to the first HARQ process. The transmission layer number corresponding to the first transmission unit is determined based on the first RI.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, the M RIs include a second RI, the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI, the M transmission units include a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit corresponds to the second HARQ process, and the transmission layer number corresponding to the second transmission unit is determined according to the second RI.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information indicates the M RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a first field, which includes M pieces of information, each of which indicates the RI corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the M pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is the pre-configured or pre-defined maximum RI.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information indicates the M RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a first field, which includes M pieces of information. Each of the M pieces of information indicates the difference between the RI corresponding to each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes and a reference RI. The reference RI is used to determine the RI offset of each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information also indicates the reference RI.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Each of the M pieces of information occupies log2P bits, where P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI, or P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset, or P is determined based on a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset range.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first field is the demodulation reference signal DMRS port digital segment, RI field, or layer digital segment.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The transmission unit is a transmission block (TB); or, The transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, and the sub-block is a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, The transmission unit is one or more codewords included in TB.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is received on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M. Within a first time unit, M transmission units are transmitted or received on a first carrier. The M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. The M transmission units include a first transmission unit, which corresponds to the first HARQ process. The transmission layer number corresponding to the first transmission unit is determined based on the first RI.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information indicates the Q RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a second field, which includes Q pieces of information. Each of the Q pieces of information indicates the RI corresponding to one or more HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes, and the RIs corresponding to the one or more HARQ processes are the same.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the Q pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is the predefined or preconfigured maximum RI.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second field is the DMRS port number field, the RI field, or the layer number field.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The transmission unit is TB; or, The transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, and the sub-block is a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, The transmission unit is one or more codewords included in TB.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is transmitted on a first carrier, wherein the first information indicates M RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, the M HARQ processes correspond one-to-one with the M RIs, the M HARQ processes include a first HARQ process, the M RIs include a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponds to the first RI, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Within a first time unit, M transmission units are received or transmitted on the first carrier. The M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. The M transmission units include a first transmission unit, which corresponds to the first HARQ process. The transmission layer number corresponding to the first transmission unit is determined based on the first RI.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The M HARQ processes include a second HARQ process, the M RIs include a second RI, the second HARQ process corresponds to the second RI, the M transmission units include a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit corresponds to the second HARQ process, and the transmission layer number corresponding to the second transmission unit is determined according to the second RI.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first information indicates the M RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a first field, which includes M pieces of information, each of which indicates the RI corresponding to one of the M HARQ processes.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each of the M pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is the pre-configured or pre-defined maximum RI.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first information indicates the M RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a first field, which includes M pieces of information. Each of the M pieces of information indicates the difference between the RI corresponding to each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes and a reference RI. The reference RI is used to determine the RI offset of each HARQ process in the M HARQ processes.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first information also indicates the reference RI.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, Each of the M pieces of information occupies log2P bits, where P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum RI, or P is a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset, or P is determined based on a predefined or preconfigured maximum offset range.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, The first field is a DMRS port digital field, an RI field, or a layer digital field.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that, The transmission unit is TB; or, The transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, and the sub-block is a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, The transmission unit is one or more codewords included in TB.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is transmitted on a first carrier, the first information indicating Q RIs corresponding to M HARQ processes, one or more of the M HARQ processes corresponding to one of the Q RIs, the M HARQ processes including a first HARQ process, the M RIs including a first RI, the first HARQ process corresponding to the first RI, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2, and Q being a positive integer less than or equal to M. Within a first time unit, M transmission units are received or transmitted on a first carrier. The M transmission units correspond one-to-one with the M HARQ processes. The M transmission units include a first transmission unit, which corresponds to the first HARQ process. The transmission layer number corresponding to the first transmission unit is determined based on the first RI.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The first information indicates the Q RIs corresponding to the M HARQ processes, including: The first information includes a second field, which includes Q pieces of information. Each of the Q pieces of information indicates the RI corresponding to one or more HARQ processes among the M HARQ processes, and the RIs corresponding to the one or more HARQ processes are the same.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, Each of the Q pieces of information occupies log2K bits, where K is the predefined or preconfigured maximum RI.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The second field is the DMRS port number field, the RI field, or the layer number field.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The transmission unit is TB; or, The transmission unit is one or more sub-blocks included in the TB, and the sub-block is a code block group, code block cluster, or code block; or, The transmission unit is one or more codewords included in TB.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 14, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 23, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 23, or the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 14 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 23 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28 to be performed.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 14 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 23 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28 to be performed.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first device and a second device, wherein... The first device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the second device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 23; or, The first device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 14, and the second device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28.

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